International experts say that Chinese President Xi Jinping's New Year Message has offered a vivid snapshot of China's development, with many noting that the country's experience across economic, technological, and governance fields provides valuable lessons for other nations.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, delivered his 2026 New Year Message on the New Year's Eve, in which he looked back over the past year and extended New Year wishes for the coming year.
In his message, President Xi highlighted the steady momentum of China's economy. In separate interviews with China Central Television, international experts noted that China's achievements amid a world-wide economic headwind provides valuable experience for other countries.
"President Xi Jinping's speech clearly demonstrated China's major achievements in economic development. China has also rolled out a range of policies and measures to boost both domestic and international economic activity and trade, with the launch of island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port in particular," said Kamel Mansari, director of Publications of the Algerian newspaper Le Jeune Indépendant.
Davison Mung'andu, a member of the National Assembly of Zambia, highlighted China's people-centered approach.
(China) achieved modernization based on the Chinese style. A Chinese style is one that embraces the people, the community, (and) the citizens. And that is what we in Africa should strive to learn best practices from their modernization," he said.
Former Canadian senator Victor Oh shared his firsthand experience of China's economic growth and technology development.
"President Xi mentioned in his New Year Address that China's total economic output is expected to reach around 140 trillion yuan (20 trillion U.S. dollars), which is a stunning number. I visited China in November 2025, and was deeply impressed by the country's pace of development. What stood out most was China's rapid progress in electric vehicle technology, which is an eye-opener for me, and which stands well ahead of all other countries in the world," he said.
Former Mexican Ambassador to China Ismael Sergio Ley Lopez also highlighted China's advancements in science and technology.
"China's advances in science and technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, have placed the country at the forefront of global technological development, and I believe that it will have a major impact on the world. Following his three global initiatives, President Xi's proposal of the Global Governance Initiative deserves close attention and careful study by all countries," he said.
He was referring to the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative proposed by Xi respectively in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025.
China's development path contributes experience to global development: experts
Shenzhen in south China's Guangdong Province saw a soaring number of visitors from abroad on Thursday, the first day of 2026 and also the opening day of China's three-day New Year holiday, as festive celebrations unfolded across the city.
Major border checkpoints in the city recorded peak inbound passenger flows, with large numbers of travelers from Hong Kong, Macao and overseas entering the city to experience its vibrant holiday vibes.
"I'm so happy 'cause this is the first day of 2026, and I'm bringing my friends to visit Shenzhen," said a visitor from Hong Kong.
International tourists also shared their excitement.
"It's a very modern city and it's interesting to see such a New Year Eve in such a city," said an overseas visitor.
The inbound passenger flow at Luohu Port peaked from 8:00 to 20:00 on Thursday, said an officer there, adding the average daily passenger flow during the New Year break is expected to reach about 240,000.
At the West Kowloon Station port, eye-catching red decorations themed around the upcoming 2026 Spring Festival which will mark the beginning of the Year of the Horse added to the festive mood.
As a key transportation hub of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, the port also saw heavy two-way passenger traffic. Daily cross-border passenger flow there is expected to average around 100,000 during the holiday.
An Australian tourist said he was looking forward to his trip to south China.
"I am from Melbourne, Australia and I'm coming to Guangzhou and Shenzhen in China. I'm excited to see all the tall buildings, especially all the ones that light up and experience a new culture in China." said a tourist.
Outside the ports, celebrations were in full swing as the city prepared for rising visitor numbers.
A large-scale parade featuring more than 30 themed formations kicked off in the morning along the 1.6-kilometer Festival Avenue in Shenzhen's Futian District.
The event drew huge crowds with inflatable cartoon characters, lively drum performances, and traditional Yingge Dance -- a form of folk dance popular in south China's Guangdong Province that merges opera, dance, and martial arts.
Nearby commercial zones also rolled out special consumption coupons, allowing visitors to enjoy a one-stop experience combining festive celebrations and shopping.
"The atmosphere is really nice. We feel very welcomed here. It's a very, very international vibe", said an international visitor.
China continues to grow in popularity as a destination for overseas travelers. Data from online tourism platforms show that inbound flight bookings to China rose 20 percent year on year on the first day of the holiday, with Shenzhen ranking fifth among the country's most popular inbound travel destinations.
"On the first day of holiday, international flight ticket purchases to Shenzhen has increased by 52.5 percent while the international flight bookings to the city has grown by 33 percent," said Shi Ke, a researcher from big data research institute of Qunar, an online travel service provider.
Shenzhen embraces influx of visitors on first day of 2026
